How solid-state light engines can meet the exact needs of many biotech and industrial applications
Preliminary testing of the quantum gravity gradiometer designed by Michael Holynski and colleagues at the University of Birmingham, which has now been shown to locate an underground tunnel with a positional accuracy of 20cm. Credit: Crown Copyright
Susan Curtis explores the new breed of quantum gravimeters finding their way onto the slopes of Mount Etna and into tunnels deep under Birmingham
The science of measuring the amount, spectral and spatial distribution of light emitted by a source is generally poorly understood. Few university-level physics or engineering syllabuses review the principles of optical radiation measurement, let alone the practicalities. This is despite our interacting with light almost constantly, both in nature and in our work and leisure activities. This white paper reviews the fundamental principles of light metrology.
Specifications for illumination systems for biomedical imaging and industrial metrology generally converge on spectral, spatial and temporal light output characteristics. This article describes some of the ways in which solid-state light engines consisting of arrays of solid-state light sources, a mix of LEDs, light pipes and lasers, allow for the customisation of specifications to meet application-specific lighting requirements.
Manx Precision Optics’ polishing lap. Credit: Manx Precision Optics
Benjamin Skuse asks why, after 400 years of polishing optics, the process hasn’t been automated
Zygo a developer of precision metrology instruments and optics, has announced the release of version 9.0 of its Mx software platform for complete instrument control and data analysis
This white paper will explain how the optical performance of displays is quantified, and the instruments commonly used in display photometry and colorimetry will be presented.
L to R: Marc Canales, Roger Artigas, EPIC’s Ana González & Carlos Lee
Jose Pozo, CTO at EPIC, talks with Roger Artigas, co-founder, president and CTO of Sensofar Metrology – a designer and manufacturer of 3D surface metrology instruments
Keely Portway looks at some of the latest advances in light-based test and measurement techniques
Organoid imaged with Andor’s desktop confocal microscope system, the BC43. Credit: Andor
As microscopes become ever more powerful, a growing band of businesses are racing to make the latest technologies more accessible and more affordable, reports Rebecca Pool
Illustration of a three-dimensional crystal with various types of confining centres. (a) Crystal with four confining centres, each trapping waves (yellow) in all three dimensions simultaneously. (b) Crystal with a linear confining centre where waves can propagate in one dimension, analogous to an optical fibre. (c) Crystal with a planar confining centre where waves can propagate in two dimensions, analogous to a 2D electron gas. (Image: Vos et al.)
Newly discovered fundamental rules have been embedded into software to dramatically optimise the design of photonic integrated circuits
